Why Values are no Absolutes

Recently I stumbled upon some interesting dojo (house) rules of a karate dojo. Using value and development squares we are going to examine these rules today. You will be surprised how the opposite of the rules can also form a good set of rules.

Now have a look at the mega-dojo, throwing in all values and their positive opposites:

Be polite and authentic

Be self-confident and modest

Work on the perfection of your character and know your limits

Be active and patient

Be controlled and spontaneous

Be gracious and just

Be helpful and allow others their own experiences

Be brave and cautious

While in theory it might be possible that such a person exists, in reality no one will be all of that at the same time.

This long post shows one thing. You need to make your own decisions. Either as a person or as a family, group, team, or company, you should define your own house rules. Stick to them as far as possible, but never forget that there is a world beyond your house rules. If you do not accept the value decisions of others, you cannot expect them to accept your values.

One comment on “Why Values are no Absolutes”

I was immediately thinking where there are other sets of values. Like how to behave in a train or bus. Or in a public sauna. Or library. Any place with a sets of values which we experience as positive is suitable…